Click to return to home page

About IMS Global Services

IMS provide the answers

IMS provide Market Insight

Industry events, conferences and links

Our complete product range

Latest news and press releases

Addresses, phone numbers and emails

 

 

 

 

                                           Page 1 of 3 >>

Global pharmaceutical market growth accelerates to 11% in 1999

IMS HEALTH data shows that the world pharmaceutical market grew by 10.7% in 1999, with estimated sales reaching $337.2 billion, up from $304.7 billion in 1998.

This robust growth is expected to continue, despite continued government pressure on pricing and a number of blockbuster drugs going off-patent. IMS HEALTH projections show average annual global sales growth of 8.1% over the next five years, which would expand the global pharmaceutical market to $506 billion by 2004.

The growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including the recent launches of drugs such as Celebrex and Vioxx, which are contributing to the industry momentum. Simultaneous multi-country launches, improved sales force productivity and direct-to-consumer promotion will continue to yield strong and faster sales in the lifecycle of new drugs.

The data are a snapshot of IMS HEALTH's annual World Review report of global pharmaceutical market performance in 1999, using audited sales of prescription drugs and certain over-the-counter products in more than 60 countries. Growth in sales is measured in US dollars. World Review is consolidated using IMS HEALTH's on-line global database, MIDAS.

Leading countries

The top ten worldwide markets represent approximately 79% of all unaudited and audited sales.

Leading countries in 1999 global pharmaceutical sales
Rank
Country
1999 Sales US$Bn
% Global Sales
% Growth Year-on-Year*
1 United States 130.1 39% 17%
2 Japan 53.5 16% 23%
3 Germany 18.5 5% 1%
4 France 17.8 5% 0%
5 Italy 11.3 3% 3%
6 United Kingdom 11.0 3% 8%
7 Spain 6.6 2% 6%
8 Brazil 6.3 2% (-26%)
9 China 6.2 2% 12%
10 Canada 5.5 2% 11%

Source: IMS HEALTH World Review 2000 (*Growth measured in US Dollars)

The US remains the largest pharmaceutical market by far, growing 17% to $130.1 billion in sales in 1999, and representing 39% of the total worldwide market. Japan, the second largest market, recovered last year from three consecutive years of negative performance, growing 23% with sales of $53.5 billion.

Within the top five European markets, Germany remains in the lead, achieving sales of $18.5 billion with 1% growth over 1998. The fastest growing Western European markets in 1999 were the UK, growing 8%, and Spain, with 6% growth over 1998.

Brazil, the seventh largest audited world pharmaceutical market in 1998, dropped to eighth place last year, experiencing a 26% decline in growth due to economic conditions. China, ranked ninth for the third consecutive year, achieved $6.2 billion in 1999 sales and 12% year-over-year growth.

Detailed reports of sales for the Top 20 Corporations, Products, Countries and Therapy Areas in 1998 and 1999 are available to buy online.

See also: The global pharmaceutical market report for 1998

For full explanation of figures and collection methods see Data Value and definitions

Global pharmaceutical market growth                                   Page 1 of 3 >>


Other reports: